Peru: Language & People

The Ancient Language of Quechua

Even though each town that the Inca conquered had their own language, the Incas imposed their language (Quechua) on them so that all would understand one another. This practice could date as far back as the year 1200. Today, Quechua is still the indigenous language of the Andean region spoken today by approximately 13 million people in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Northern Chile, Argentina, and Southern Colombia. The Incas had no form of writing.

Spanish in Peru Today

In the 1500’s, when the Spanish conquered the Incas and eventually settled in Peru, they brought their language from Europe. For this reason, in present-day Peru, Spanish and Quechua are both the official languages of the country.

Practice Speaking Spanish!

Yes

Si

No

No

Please

Por favor

Thank you

Gracias

Thank you very much

Muchas gracias

Your welcome

De nada

Excuse me

Perdón/Con permiso

Just a second

Un momento

Okay

Está Bien/Muy bien

Hello

Hola

Goodbye

Adiós

Good morning

Buenos dias

Good afternoon

Buenas tardes

Good night/Good evening

Buenas noches

Sir

Señor

Madam

Señora

Miss

Señorita

See you later

Hasta la vista

See you tomorrow

Hasta mañana

Do you speak English?

¿Habla usted inglés?

I speak a little Spanish

Hablo un poco español

Do you understand?

¿Comprende usted?

I understand

Yo comprendo

I don't understand

No comprendo

What did you say?

¿Cómo?

How do you say in Spanish?

¿Cómo se dice en español?

Where is the bathroom?

¿Dónde esta el baño?

Notice that questions start with an upside down question mark. That way, you know a question is coming up before you read the sentence!